"I have so far considered the following:
E46 330ci 2002
E90 320i 2006 - 2008 -
NO
E90 323i auto - 2007 with 200k on the clock but very well looked after
E90 325i manual with 180k on the clock "
E46's have a better resale than the E90's so consider that as well.
I'm quite happy that you mentioned 330d, they can be wonderful cars. With good maintenance they are very frugal and not too slow either. At the coast the 330i will still have an edge but if you're only focused on straight line acceleration then with less money you can make the 330d faster than the 330i.
However if you find a neat Ci or 330i grab it. They are becoming rare and more sought after than an E90 equivalent.
As long as you stick to the 6 cylinders you are safe

They will put a smile on your face everytime.